Heavy pollution source of concern on Bali beaches

I Wayan Ananta Wijaya, Contributor, Kuta

Bali is renowned as a haven for surfers, swimmers and beach lovers. Its beautiful, white-sand beaches attract millions of visitors to the island.

Just visit Kuta beach: You will find hundreds of surfers riding the waves, while others lie on its white sand waiting for the sunset.

Despite its beauty, Bali beaches, especially those located in Badung regency, were reported to have been polluted by heavy metal and other chemical substances including ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu).

During the rainy season, the Pb level reaches 0.033 to 0.034, or 1,650 to 1,700 times the tolerable level of 0.00002.

During the dry season, the Pb level reaches 0.058 or 2,900 times the tolerable level.

According to a study conducted by Suyasning HI and team from the school of medicine at the University of Udayana, the high level of Pb in the water could affect people's health. It can penetrate the human body through contaminated water or food and be absorbed via the skin or respiratory system.

"It can cause health problems such as anemia and lung disease," the study revealed.

"Pb poisoning can affect the nervous system. It can also cause mental and intellectual problems, especially with children," Suyasning writes.

Kuta beach is also reported to have been polluted by other hazardous chemical substances such as NH3, NO2 (see table).

Unfortunately, this important report, released in 2004, was not widely publicized.

"We just don't know that Kuta beach has been polluted by certain chemical substances. The Badung regional government should immediately make this public to prevent people from suffering various health problems," said Made Dwipayana, a student at the technical school at Udayana University.

In addition to Kuta beach, the report says that there are other polluted beaches, including those at Tuban, Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Legian, Canggu, Petitenget and Pererenan in Badung regency.

The most polluted beaches include Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua and Legian beaches (Pb, Cd, Cu, NH3, N0 2, phenol and oil).

Ironically, those beaches have become the island's favorite tourist attractions.

Wayan Suarna from Bali Environmental Parliament Watch has urged the regional government to take immediate action to fight pollution. "The regional authority must be strict and take harsh action against those who violate the decree," Suarna said.

Suarna found the the pollution was mainly caused by inappropriate processing of waste material from various tourist- related establishments including hotels, restaurants, businesses as well as households.

"The pollution problem is very serious since it affects the island's most precious natural resource -- its beaches. It will have a serious impact on Bali's environment and the tourism industry," he said.